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PWYC
DCHP-2 (Oct 2016)
Spelling variants:P.W.Y.C.
expression — abbreviation, often Entertainment
an abbreviation for "pay what you can".
Type: 1. Origin — PWYC appears to be Canadian in origin. The term is almost exclusive to Canada (see Chart 1) and the earliest attestations of PWYC appear in Canadian newspapers in reference to theatre performances in Toronto. The term and the practice have spread to other events or services that seek to provide a higher degree of accessibility to patrons (see the 2008 and 2016 quotations).
See also COD-2, s.v. "PWYC", which is marked "esp. Cdn".
See also COD-2, s.v. "PWYC", which is marked "esp. Cdn".
Quotations
1974
Factory Theatre Lab
Hurray for Johny Canuck
Created and Directed by Ken Gass
..........
Tues. thru Sun. Pres. 8:30 p.m.
Sun Matinee 2:30 p.m. P.W.Y.C.
207 Adelaide St. E. 864-9971
1977
Theatre Passe Muraille
presents
I Love You Baby Blue 2
AN ENTERTAINMENT ABOUT LOVE AND...SEX
directed by
HRANT ALIANAK
Previews March 30 & 31
Opens April 1st
Limited 2 Week Run
Prices $5 to $7
Tues.-Sun.8:30 p.m.
Sun. Mat. 2:30 p.m. P.W.Y.C
For Reservations
CALL 363-8988
1986
Sunday afternoon is traditionally PWYC - Pay What You Can - time at a number of T.O. stages.
The theatres we contacted about this live entertainment bargain had similar responses to questions about their PWYC performances: The goal is to make live theatre accessible to anyone who wishes it; there are no guilt trips - any sum of money from a penny to an amount over the regular ticket price will be accepted (although both extremes are rare and the latter is obviously more appreciated). And PWYC audiences are often the the best of the week, from the performers' point of view.
And why Sunday afternoon? It's a good time to accommodate a wide range of people - especially students, seniors and theatre workers - who can't afford regular ticket prices or can't get to regular performances.
PWYC originated in the early '70s, when prices were low or non- existent for most local companies.
1998
ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO commemorates the death of Joyce Wieland with a screening of Artist On Fire: The Work of Joyce Wieland, Fri. noon. (PWYC) 317 Dundas St. W. 979-6648.
2008
The Swing Bash happens on Saturday Feb. 9 at Hesler Hall, 9:00 pm to 12:00 pm. PWYC for non-swing members and formal dress is encouraged (dresses and ties).
2016
At this Toronto cafe you can PWYC for coffee
One of Toronto's quirkiest cafes has just become a bit more "kooky" in the words of its founder Liz Haines. Formerly called the Intergalactic Travel Authority, the espresso bar was designed to support Story Planet, a charity modelled after Dave Egger's 826 Valencia, which provides writing and communication workshops for kids from age six to 18.
[...]
Rather than close up shop, Haines has decided to try something unconventional. "While our social enterprise (formerly known as the ITA) has been an amazing community hub, it has not been financially viable. We have let the espresso machine go and are operating it, for the next little while, as a pay-what-you-can, serve-yourself community lounge," she notes.
At this Toronto cafe you can PWYC for coffee
One of Toronto's quirkiest cafes has just become a bit more "kooky" in the words of its founder Liz Haines. Formerly called the Intergalactic Travel Authority, the espresso bar was designed to support Story Planet, a charity modelled after Dave Egger's 826 Valencia, which provides writing and communication workshops for kids from age six to 18.
[...]
Rather than close up shop, Haines has decided to try something unconventional. "While our social enterprise (formerly known as the ITA) has been an amazing community hub, it has not been financially viable. We have let the espresso machine go and are operating it, for the next little while, as a pay-what-you-can, serve-yourself community lounge," she notes.
References
- COD-2
Images
